Gulf | Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia moves to protect consumer rights

Manama: Saudi Arabia is banning companies and shops from resorting to the “Goods once sold cannot be taken back or exchanged” practice, saying that it violates the consumers’ rights.

Under a decision by the commerce and industry ministry, all selling points, leaflets, advertisements, marketing tools and commercial publications are banned from using the stipulation starting November 15.

Commercial companies, establishments and shops are required to take back all goods that have defects or that are not complying with the standards and to give customers their money back, local Arabic daily Al Madina reported on Thursday.

“Posting or publishing the claim that ‘Goods once sold cannot be taken back or exchanged’ or similar expressions is not compatible with the right of consumers to good quality,” the ministry said. “All companies and selling points should remove the stipulation promptly to avoid punitive measures. Printing companies that accept to print the expression will also be held responsible,” the ministry said.

As one if the largest markets in the region, Saudi Arabia has often been targeted by companies selling fake goods and cheap imitations that are below the required standards.

Campaigns to educate consumers about their right to good quality have been launched in several areas and now the commerce and industry ministry seeks to make a great leap in the fight to protect people’s rights.